Outspoken Zimbabwean nurse fears assassination

Some of the striking nurses at United Bulawayo Hospitals yesterday.

From NDABENI MLOTSHWA in Bulawayo, ZimbabweBULAWAYO, (CAJ News) – A Zimbabwean nurse suspended from work has reportedly received death threats after blaming the ruling party for the economic and political crisis that has forced many to seek greener pastures and medical treatment in South Africa.

Suspended for the alleged sentiments, Senzeni Klaasen (aged 47), Sister-In-Charge at Beitbridge District Hospital, is on the verge of losing her job.

She is accused of misconduct after she supposedly recorded an audio clip circulated on social media uttering what hospital authorities considered to be some “abusive” words.

In the purported clip, she is quoted as blaming the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union–Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) for the country’s economic and political crises.

Klaasen is accused of blaming the party for the mass exodus of Zimbabweans who were going to neighbouring countries –especially South Africa- in search of better economic opportunities and medical care.

She has engaged lawyers from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) after some unidentified people thought to be state agents reportedly threatened her with death and members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) targeted her family members and children.

Dr Lenosb Samhere, District Medical Officer at Beitbridge District Hospital, accused the nurse of misconduct.

Samhere argued he was implementing the provisions of the Health Service Regulations.

The regulations provide for suspension of a health professional for ‘committing an act of misconduct or is subject to a criminal investigation or prosecution and whose continued attendance at work would seriously impair the proper administration or functioning of the Ministry of Health and Child Care.”– CAJ News